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Developed to be the flagship of the PENTAX K digital SLR camera series, the K-3 features a host of advanced functions and user-friendly features to optimize image quality, operability and maneuverability under demanding shooting conditions in the field.

High-resolution images with the 24 megapixels brand-new sensor

The K-3 is equipped with a new APS-C-size CMOS image sensor (23.5mm×15.6mm) with approximately 24 effective megapixels. By coupling this sensor with a newly developed PRIME III imaging engine with high-efficiency noise and image processing capacities and an anti-aliasing filter-free design, the K-3 delivers high-resolution, fine-gradation images.

It also offers a top sensitivity of ISO 51200, for the photography of detailed images even under extremely poor lighting conditions, and to simplify handheld shooting of nightscapes.

Reduction of moiré as effectively as an optical anti-aliasing filter

In-body SR mechanism

The K-3 features a PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism that can be used with any compatible PENTAX interchangeable lens.** Thanks to the addition of an SR-dedicated servo controller and an increase in the magnetic force driving the SR unit, this mechanism assures more stable, effective camera-shake compensation than ever before.

The World’s-first***, innovative anti-aliasing simulator function

Newly developed for the K-3, the anti-aliasing simulator**** applies microscopic vibrations to the image sensor unit at the subpixel level during image exposure, generating the same level of moiré-reduction effect as an optical anti-aliasing filter. Unlike an optical anti-aliasing filter that always creates the identical result, this innovative simulator allows the user not only to switch the anti-aliasing filter effect on and off, but also to adjust the level of the effect. This allows the user to set the ideal effect for a particular scene or subject.

User-assisting shooting functions

The SR unit’s flexible design, which tilts the image sensor unit in all directions, is one reason why the K-3 can offer a host of handy shooting functions, including auto level compensation, image-composition fine-adjustment, and ASTRO TRACER, which simplifies advanced astronomical photography in combination with the optional O-GPS1 GPS Unit.

** Lenses compatible with this mechanism: K-, KA-, KAF-, KAF2-, and KAF3-mount lenses; screw-mount lenses, (with adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with adapter). Some functions may not be available with all lenses.*** World’s first as an interchangeable-lens camera to carry this functionality as of October 2013.(Based on RICOH IMAGING COMPANY’s research)**** This function is most effective with a shutter speed of 1/1000 second or slower. This function is not available during HDR shooting.

Newly designed SAFOX 11 AF module with 27 auto focus points

The K-3 features a new SAFOX 11 AF module with an expanded image-area coverage using 27 AF sensors (25 cross-type sensors positioned in the middle).

The center sensor and two sensors just above and below it are designed to detect the light flux of an F2.8 lens, making it easy to obtain pinpoint focus on the subject when using a large-aperture lens.

This newly developed AF module is highly light-sensitive and covers a wide AF working range of –3EV to +18EV.

Since the AF module takes data from RGB light sensors into calculation to optimize AF operation, the K-3 also provides such advanced functions as high-accuracy auto-focusing during the shooting of fast-moving subjects, and the zone-select AF mode to automatically select the best possible in-focus point within a designated nine-sensor zone.

High-precision exposure control

The K-3 is equipped with newly introduced PENTAX Real-Time Scene Analysis System that consists of approximately 86,000 pixel RGB light-metering sensor and improved algorithm, which allows it to not only control the exposure with extreme accuracy, but also to utilize the data taken in by the light-metering sensor to further enhance the accuracy of auto-focusing and white balance adjustment.. This has expanded the measurable minimum luminance level to as low as –3EV.

By detecting the type of scene or subject using the light sensor, the K-3 also can not only select the exposure settings that are more consistent with the photographer’s creative intentions, but also it can make more precise distinction between the main subject and the background to improve the accuracy of flash discharge level.